Easy Pepper Basil Spaghetti
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Easy Pepper Basil Spaghetti recipe, a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s both quick to make and irresistibly delicious. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a silky blend of extra virgin olive oil, sautéed garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a simple yet sophisticated base. A generous handful of fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note, while parmesan cheese lends a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, this pasta dish is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Customize with a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a zesty kick, and serve it as a light main or an elegant side dish. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or casual entertaining, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 50 grams parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 4 liters water
Instructions
Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
While the spaghetti is cooking, thinly slice the garlic cloves and set them aside.
Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and black pepper. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the oil.
Gradually add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce and help it coat the spaghetti evenly.
Add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet and toss until they are wilted, about 1 minute.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. If using, sprinkle red chili flakes for a hint of spice.
Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1347 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.4 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.9 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 2810 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.3 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 41.2 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 799 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 361 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
